A symbolic tree on the Yellowknife River dedicated to the Dene legend of Yamozha was ripped from its base during a windstorm last week.

According to environment Canada wind gusts reached up to 70 km/h during Friday's extended storm, which also saw moments of heavy rain and lightning.

The force was enough to sever the tree at its base. The sacred tree now lays horizontal with blue ribbons and rosaries hanging from the bark.

The tree, dedicated to the legend of Yamozha and the giant beavers, is known to the community as a praying spot for elders.

SA国际影视传媒淪ome say itSA国际影视传媒檚 meant to bring people good luck,SA国际影视传媒� said Pauline King, who stopped along the Ingraham Trail on Saturday to see the aftermath. SA国际影视传媒淓lders come to the spot and pray. They offer berries, sugar, rosaries and cigarettes.SA国际影视传媒�

King said to her knowledge the tree has been around for a SA国际影视传媒渓ongSA国际影视传媒� time.

ItSA国际影视传媒檚 memory will stay with the Denedeh people, King added.

Chief Ernest Betsina said his preference is to bring the remains of the tree across the road to the Denedeh memorial site. The site is located on the Yellowknife River campground.

SA国际影视传媒淎fter I heard about what happened it feels like losing a loved one,SA国际影视传媒� said Betsina. SA国际影视传媒淏ut the tree is still alive, it still has spirits in in and I want to resurrect the tree.SA国际影视传媒�

Betsina added he will be consulting with elders on a retreat today to determine the best way to preserve the sacred tree.

SA国际影视传媒淲e want to determine how we can make it alive again,SA国际影视传媒� he added.